Nola Reporter

NEW ORLEANS — The Mayor’s Office of Youth and Families (OYF) today, applauds STEM NOLA for launching a new program for the 2023-2024 school year in partnership with the New Orleans Public Library. STEM NOLA is a national leader in the design and delivery of STEM-based activities, programs and events for K-12 students, families and communities.   

“This partnership makes a quality, level-setting experience accessible to the children of New Orleans,” said OYF Director Asya Howlette. “It is essential that the City of New Orleans continues to bring partners together who can offer our best opportunities to our young people. STEM NOLA is a true educational program; it sparks the imagination, it encourages curiosity, and it creates a safe space for young people to become familiar with the joy of achievement.”  

There will be three libraries that will host STEM NOLA programming, including Norman Meyer Library (3001 Gentilly Blvd.), Algiers Regional Library (3014 Holiday Dr.) and the East New Orleans Regional Library (5641 Read Blvd.). The program is open to students who are in grades 3-5. Sessions are held from Tuesday – Thursday after school from 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. once per month, with each Library having its own week dedicated to the program. STEM NOLA will teach and conduct several interactive projects for students to explore Newton’s three laws, learn the different types of forces and engage in activities around force and motion.   

"The partnership between New Orleans Public Libraries and STEM NOLA will be an invaluable resource for the children of New Orleans," said Founder and CEO of STEM NOLA Dr. Calvin Mackie. "This brings us one step closer to making access to STEM as ubiquitous as sports, inviting young minds to step into a world where imagination knows no limits. We want to inspire young minds to script their own stories of success, and we're doing that with STEM education." 

“We’re so excited to be partnering with STEM NOLA this fall to enhance our programming in science, technology, engineering and math-related subjects,” said Executive Director for New Orleans Public Library Emily Painton. “As outlined in our 10-year strategic plan, we’re committed to furthering the development of creative and critical thinking skills by ensuring kids have access to this type of programming and resources. Partnering with STEM NOLA will give us a unique opportunity to engage with kids in a hands-on and entertaining way, with expert knowledge and inspiring activities.” 

Launched in 2013, STEM NOLA provides communities in New Orleans, Louisiana and across the country with hands-on fun and educational programs that raise awareness of the many benefits of science, technology, engineering and math skills. This non-profit specializes in utilizing community facilities - churches, schools and community centers – to bring STEM education directly to K-12 students right in their own neighborhoods, especially low-income areas and communities of color, which historically have been under-resourced. In 2022 alone, STEM NOLA reached over 17,000 students.

To learn more about STEM NOLA visit www.stemnola.com. 

For more information about the program, visit: events.nolalibrary.org

Original source can be found here.